BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF IRELAND – 2 September 2012

Critique

Judge Satu Ylä-Mononen

I would like to thank the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ireland for inviting me to judge at this prestigious event, the exhibitors for presenting their Bernese in such clean condition, my stewards for a well run show-ring and Alison Erskine for her excellent hospitality. The whole show was so well organised. I enjoyed my day very much, the weather was perfect and the show ground was excellent, such a large ring was available outside. The atmosphere was very nice and exhibitors accepted gracefully the decisions I made. Before I start the short individual critiques I would make some general comments. There was a very good entry and the classes were well attended with few absentees. I was pleased with my class winners and felt that the overall quality of the Bernese was rather good. There were some excellent heads and expressions, bone in general was good and also tail sets. Movement was generally good, all class winners particularly. Movement is very important, faultless movement tells me there aren't many big faults in anatomy. As I said in my ring this is a working breed that should move easily and could work in the farms like farmer dogs did many years ago. I found a one dog with undershot bite, two dogs with missing teeth (2 x P3, 1 x P3) and 13 (!!) dogs with a very light eyes. That's quite a lot. In the European countries those problems are not so common. Also be careful of correct top lines and correct angulations in front and rear. The Best of Breed winner was a charming gentleman who is a credit to the breed! He was the best mover in the ring! He was six years old and still so perfect. Be proud of him! Also B.O.S was an excellent female without any big faults. Excellent movements, such a lovely head and expression and perfect angulations with lovely short hock! Unfortunately not in her best coat that day. Also a credit to the breed. Thank you for a very enjoyable day and special thanks for the gift I got. I just love it! My best wishes to the Club and the Bernese in Ireland. Satu Ylä-Mononen

PUPPY DOG (2)VP. BENSON – PASTUREGREEN IRISH PRINCE AT BERNERVALLEY Promising, harmonic puppy. Promising head, light eyes and open lips. Moves very well all over. Good bone and body. Could have more angulations in front and rear. Good tail set. Good coat, a bit light tan color.VP. BRIDGES – MOYANNABERN FRANKIE GOES TO BOLLYWOOD Promising, harmonic puppy. Promising head, good eyes, could have a bit more stop. Moves well. Good top line, bone and body. Flat feet. Enough angulations in front and rear. Good tail set. Good coat, good tan color.

JUNIOR DOG (5) 1ab1. MCMULLAN - BERNEMCOURT JUST A DREAM AT GLENHUNT Strong compact junior. Good size. Nice type of head with dark eyes. Good bone and just enough angulation. Moves with good drive. Good coat and markings. Nice temperament.2. GIFFNEY – BELHOF KELTIC KING Strong dog with very nice head type, not correct ear set. Good body and bone. Correct angulations. Loose in elbows otherwise good movements. Too high tail set. Nice coat. Good temperament.3. ENNIS – BERNEMCOURT MAN AT THE TOP Medium size junior. Still narrow in body and narrow fore chest. Good head, correct eyes. Not in best coat condition today. Moves well.INTERMEDIATE DOG (2)1. HUGHES – CARRAIGBERN MR DARCY Excellent size, strong male head, nice expression, loose lips. Good neck and top line. Enough angulations. Excellent front. Soft in pasterns. Moves well. Unfortunately totally without coat today! Would love to see this dog in full coat.

2. TREACY – CARRAIGBERN LORD OF THE DANCE Good well developed body, strong head, light eyes. High tail set. Good coat. Otherwise good movements.